Nice example of the famous Hong Kong Dollar. Due to the reflective surface of the obverse this coin is a lot better in hand than on the scan. The coin was sold at a Heritage Auction (7 Jan 2012) for $900 before fees. I now know it was undergraded by NGC (probably AU 58) and I should never have sold it!
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For a fine article on the history of this coin of the British Crown Colony see: Hong Kong Dollar 1866 - 1868; Bergman
Hong Kong Dollar 1866 - Bergman
This is an extremely rare coin.In fact,this is one of the few coins that were struck at the Hong Kong Mint,which was only open between 1866 & 1868.
Be extremely careful,as there are some very dangerous forgeries that have come into the numismatic community through Hong Kong from Commie China.
Aidan.
I know the problem all too well. Fortunately, this example was purchased in the late '70's and from a very reputable dealer (also when they were still reasonably affordable). JM
The Hong Kong $1/2 from this coinage is another very rare coin that has also been forged,as has some of the scarce dates of the British Trade $1,especially the 1935.
British Commonwealth numismatists like myself aim to educate both newbies & experienced collectors alike,as the interest in British Commonwealth numismatics has been very strong,especially since when the late Jerome Remick was publishing his British Commonwealth coin catalogues - long before Krause came onto the scene.
Aidan.